i screwed up today
 

i have a dr. apt. today so i was able to get out for a little bit this morning.. well here is how it went.. i got to my listening spot and sure enough the same gobbler ive been hearing sounded off on roost, the thing about him he is always w/ hens.. well i made my move on him and walked out the old logging road and i was going to set up on it but then i thought na im going to get off the road a bit and go about 30 yrds closer. im thinking he is over 100 yrds away.. so i go where i wanted to and stood there and made 2 clucks and GOBBBBBBBLLLEEE... i look up and there he is 50 yrds away in a tree looking right at me.. the foliage (sp?) screwed me up.. i know better thats the sad part.. but so im standing there, (another mistake) behind a tree hoping he dont see me..lol.. and he did make me wait it out he stayed there for about 10min and i couldnt move then i watch him fly off right over my head.. and yes he was a really big bird w/ a big ol paint brush hanging down... the one day he is alone and also i was the only hunter there today normally there are guys everywhere.. everything was looking good for me.. oh well thats why they call it hunting.. i did have half a smile when he flew over me like you gotta be kidding me... well thats my season for you.. but this time i made some dumb mistakes, i know better i dont know what i was thinking today..

RE: i screwed up today
 

That's always a dicey decision. I try to get as close as possible but I would rather ere on the side of being to far away than getting too close and him seeing me. I makes it tough to tell though once the foilage gets on especially if the bird is turned away from you when he gobbles.

RE: i screwed up today
 

It happens to all of us at times. Kicking them off the roost sucks but it happens. Good luck if you get another chance at him.

RE: i screwed up today
 

i hunted this bird 2 other times and he had lots of hens so i wanted to get as close as i could but not that close... oh well i got 2 more times to hunt so who knows what will happen

RE: i screwed up today
 

At least he didn't poop as he flew over your head.... Get him next time!

RE: i screwed up today
 

I'm assuming you were on public land. Were you in Pa???

RE: i screwed up today
 

thats funny, that is the same thing my friend told me..lol

yes and yes

RE: i screwed up today
 

I've kicked my fair share off the roost. It happens, and will probably happen again. He'll be back. Give him a few days. About the only thing I can think of you might have done wrong is use calls to him. You might have educated him a little. Next time, maybe try a different tone call on him also.

RE: i screwed up today
 

yeah good point i have a ton of calls so i change them up everytime i go to a place i have already hunted.. i have noticed that most of the hunters ive seen and heard in this area have been using mouth calls so i put mine away and pulled out the box call.. i have a good feeling about sat. so i hope i can get on him or another.. most years i would have already been tagged out by now but last year and this year im not.. i think i hit a rut.. but thats okay i still love going out every time i can get out... i love this sport

RE: i screwed up today
 

Been there, done that! Congrats, both you and the bird are now better educated! It'll be much more interesting hunting him now! Good hunting, good luck! Don't give up!